This blog was started as a way of keeping myself motivated to keep working out, and the blog has been successful in that aspect. I started running in 2007, and it really has transformed my life. I have discovered so many inspiring individuals through the "blog world" and many delicious recipes. I use this blog to keep track of my training and write about the fun things in life. Keep checking back to read about my training for my first marathon, in February 2011.

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Quick update. Week 1 completed!

I made it through week 1 of marathon training, even though I have been fighting a dreadful sinus headache. As you know, I ran 4 miles with Caitlin on Monday after swim lessons. Tuesday I saw the movie Inception, which was unbelievably good! I consider it one of the best movies I have seen in a long time! Starting Tuesday night I started to feel under the weather. I didn't feel really sick, but I could tell that my energy level was lower than usual, and I just felt tired. Wednesday I had swim lessons again, and we learned the backstroke. I love it, simply because I do not have to worry about breathing; however, I cannot swim in a straight line to save my life. We also used swim fins which were fabulous! I felt like I was flying through the water. Since my energy level still felt low, I postponed running until Thursday morning. Caitlin and I met early to run 4 miles in 44:48. I wanted to go to hot yoga Thursday night, but my body was telling me I needed to rest. Caitlin and I had a 5 mile run planned for Friday morning, but Thursday night I was feeling pretty lousy. I met her for the run any way on Friday morning, because I needed my third run for the week. We only ended up running 3 miles in 34:59... we had a few walk breaks because I felt crappy. I took the rest of the weekend off from working out. I didn't even do as much yoga as I have been doing. Instead I did a lot of sleeping. I was feeling better today until a couple hours ago. The pressure in my head is back. I am hoping this week I will feel up for running 4 days this week.

In summary, week 1 of training: 11 miles of running in 3 days and 2 swim lessons

To end on a positive note, I have been doing at least a little bit of yoga every day. I am absolutely loving how yoga makes me feel. I have noticed that I have felt a lot better (sinus headache aside) since I started doing yoga. I no longer have knots in my back, and my flexibility has improved. My co-worker/office mate even commented this weekend that I appear to have more of a glow about me since I started going to hot yoga. I love it! Yoga is my new friend. Hopefully I can make it to hot yoga this week!

I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend! Stay tuned for week 2 of marathon training (and hopefully more posts.... all these work-outs, work, and school have kept me pretty busy lately.)

Thanks! Toni, I do not have a specific schedule. Perhaps this will end up being a downfall for me, but I find that I am less stressed and enjoy running more when I have a loose schedule that balances better with work/school. I am planning to do the long runs according to the Galloway plan, so I have 30 weeks of running before the marathon. In the Galloway method, you run a long run every week, but the distance tapers back slightly every other week. I also plan to run at least 3 days but preferably 4 days a week. I want to make one of those runs speed work. My main goal for this first marathon (I can tell I will want to do another) is to cover the distance. The next one will be to beat my time. (o:

About Me

I am an adventure-seeking girl that wishes she could fly. I am a runner and future triathlete who also loves Pilates, yoga, spinning and learning to cook. I am a graduate student going for my PhD in Chemistry with an emphasis on Forensic Science. I want to learn how to be a better and healthier cook, photography, and painting. I am Jes.

2011 Challenge

I am determined to run at least 3 days a week, and do an upper body and ab work-out at least 1 day a week for as many of the 52 weeks in this year as possible. I have no distance, pace, or time limitations. I am starting the first week on the first Sunday of the year (January 2nd).

Week: 32 of 52 (started Sunday, August 7)

Number of weeks where I met the weekly goal: 25

Number of weeks where I have not met the weekly goal: 3

(Reasons I did not run for specified weeks: (1) injury, (2) was feeling sick and wanted to recover before our trip to Italy! (3) Italy trip! Tons of walking, but did not have three dedicated runs for the week.

"Running is the classical road to self-consciousness, self-awareness and self-reliance. Independence is the outstanding characteristic of the runner. He learns the harsh reality of his physical and mental liminitations when he runs. He learns that personal commitment, sacrifice and determination are his only means to betterment. Runners only get promoted through self-conquest." ~Noel Carroll, Irish track trailblazer